Population and population change, Q1 2009

The immigration surplus from abroad in the first quarter, 9 600, made up 74 per cent of the increase. Immigration totalled 16 600 in the first quarter, 300 less than in the previous year. Emigration totalled 7 000, which is an increase from last year of 2 500 or 56 per cent.

A total of 14 800 children were born, the same as in 2008. A total of 11 000 died, resulting in an excess of births of 3 300, the same as in 2008.

Polish and German net immigration halved - but the Icelanders are coming

Some changes could be seen in the immigration pattern of the first three months. A total of 1 200 fewer Polish citizens came than the year before, and 1 000 more left, resulting in a decrease of the net immigration from 4 000 to 1 800. German citizens had a similar development; their net immigration fell from 1 000 to 600. Other larger groups, such as Swedish and Lithuanian citizens, saw their net immigration unchanged. For the first time, Icelandic citizens are among those with the largest net immigration; while it was 0 in 2008, it was 200 this year. Refugees from Eritrea increased their net immigration from 100 to 400, and Afghan citizens from 200 to 300. Those migrating to Norway had close to 150 different citizenships.

Population increase in all counties

Oslo had the highest population growth with 3 400. The four counties Oslo, Akershus, Rogaland and Hordaland represented 8 400 or 65 per cent of the total population increase in the country. In three of the counties - Hedmark, Sogn og Fjordane and Finnmark - population growth was less than 40.

Highest natural increase in Oslo

Oslo stood out as regards excess of births over deaths, which reached 1 300 or almost 40 per cent of the total excess of births in the country. Four counties had a deficit of births over deaths.

Migration gain from abroad

As in previous years, all 19 counties had a migration gain from abroad. Oslo and Rogaland had the largest gain with 1 300 and 1 100 respectively. The migration gain totalled 9 600 and offset the birth deficit and domestic migration loss in many counties.

Twelve counties had a domestic migration loss, whereas six had a domestic migration gain, the largest of which was in Oslo.

Population increase in 240 municipalities

A total of 240 municipalities had a population increase in the first quarter, whereas 180 had a decrease. As in previous years, the population increased in centrally situated municipalities whereas less central areas experienced migration loss and birth deficit. A total of 29 of the 50 municipalities with the largest population decrease were situated in the three counties in Northern Norway. Half of the 10 municipalities with the largest birth deficit were situated in Hedmark.